Recent development in the effects of statins on cardiovascular disease through Rac1 and NADPH oxidase

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), are important lipid-lowering agents. After two decades of laboratory and clinical studies, their pleiotropic effects appear well-established. One of these effects is through the regulation of Rac1 and NADPH oxidases. Relatively few human trials have been carried out with regards to the action of statins on Rac1 and NADPH oxidases, but similar positive effects were also observed in blood vessels and myocardium of participants in the trials. Besides, more specific biomarkers for the antioxidation effects of statins have been developed in the recent two years; both monitoring of the progress of disease and the effects of medical therapy will be possible. Further development of the potency and specificity of statin may enhance their therapeutic potential on cardiovascular disease. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.